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A used Jet Ski is a solution for people on a tight budget who still want to get their water sports fix. With any used purchase, however, you have to do your homework toensure that you are getting a quality item at a fair price. There are several things to look for when you are shopping for a used Jet Ski.

Hours

The number of hours a Jet Ski has been operated is an indication of how old the Jet Ski is and how much wear and tear you should expect. A low-hour Jet Ski is one that has been used for less than 50 hours, while 150 hours or more of usage is considered high. Generally speaking, 300 hours of use is an average lifespan of a Jet Ski.

Note that usage alone does not tell the whole story about the state of a Jet Ski. A poorly maintained Jet Ski that has been used for 30 hours can be in worse shape than a well-maintained Jet Ski that has seen 200 hours on the water. However, you can start to develop a picture of what to expect from a Jet Ski based on hours of usage. Plus, a beaten-up Jet Ski with a low number of usage hours can be a red flag that it hasn’t been well maintained.

Maintenance Records

Just like when you're buying a used car, you should ask to see the maintenance records for the Jet Ski. You want to know whether the Jet Ski has received the proper upkeep and whether it has been in any accidents that required a major repair or rebuild. If the Jet Ski has had more than one owner, make sure the records cover the entire lifespan of the Jet Ski.

Wear and Tear

A used Jet Ski is bound to have a few scratches, but be sure to inspect it thoroughly for any major damage, such as excessive rust. If you are buying a used Jet Ski privately, check out how the owner was storing it while inspecting the wear and tear. Did he have it sitting out in the sun? Did he have it in the shade? Was there a cover on it? The elements can be damaging to a Jet Ski over the long term, so one that has been stored in a shed or garage away from direct sunlight is going to be in the best shape.

Mechanic Check

If possible, get a mechanic to check out the engine of the Jet Ski before you buy it. A mechanic can tell you if there is a leak or any other problem that you can’t see just by inspecting the exterior of the Jet Ski. Beware sellers who won’t let you have the Jet Ski checked out before purchase.

References

About the Author

Lily Welsh is a freelance writer from North Carolina, though she has spent much of her adult life living abroad. She is the About.com Guide to Music Careers, and her work appears frequently in other Web-based and print publications. Welsh has worked in the music industry for 15 years and counting and holds B.A.s in international studies and economics.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Welsh, Lily. "What To Look For in a Used Jet Ski." Travel Tips - USA Today, http://traveltips.usatoday.com/look-used-jet-ski-21822.html. 21 March 2018.

Welsh, Lily. (2018, March 21). What To Look For in a Used Jet Ski. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from http://traveltips.usatoday.com/look-used-jet-ski-21822.html

Welsh, Lily. "What To Look For in a Used Jet Ski" last modified March 21, 2018. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/look-used-jet-ski-21822.html

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